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TEDxScottAFB: Service to others

  • Published
  • By James L. Hodges
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Scott Air Force Base has an idea worth spreading: service to others. But why do we work in service to others? To answer this question the base is hosting the first U.S. Air Force TEDx event May 30 at the Global Reach Planning Center.

TED is a nonprofit devoted to "Ideas Worth Spreading." At 18 minutes or less, TEDTalks are designed to stimulate dialogue between the thinkers and doers from the worlds of technology, entertainment and design. TEDx events share the same spirit but are planned and coordinated independently, giving communities the opportunity to stimulate the dialogue they need at their local level.

"We thought this was a good time to take a moment and reflect on why we serve," said Lt. Col. Matthew J. Whiat, TEDxScottAFB team lead, "There's a lot of uncertainty in what the future holds for our military and it's easy to get bogged down in rumor and hearsay."

TEDxScott AFB was created to inspire the military and civilian communities through compelling stories of service, said Whiat.

The event emcee will be author Simon Sinek, whose book "Start with Why" and TEDx talk "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" are on the 2012 Chief of Staff Reading List, the first list to include TEDTalks.

"Our speakers come from a variety of backgrounds. They are poets, doctors, lawyers, pilots, explosive ordnance disposal technicians, business and charity workers, former CMSgts and Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force," said Whiat. "They are military commanders, authors, think tank presidents and founders of non-profit organizations working to improve conditions in third world countries.

"They are all very accomplished in their respective fields," said Whiat. "But they received an invite to participate in the first-ever U.S. Air Force TEDx event because they all have a deep burning desire to make a difference in the lives of others."

Live audience seating is limited to 100 members per TED rules and tickets are available to anyone that calls Scott AFB their workplace or home, including family members. The call for attendee nominations was released through all organizations on base May 1. Selections will be announced by May 21 and a nominal fee will be collected for food and beverages throughout the event.

The entire event will be broadcast live via DVIDs website and this link will be provided on the TEDxScottAFB.com website. Additionally, the entire event will be filmed and posted on TED's YouTube and/or TED.com.

To apply for tickets email amc-ccx@us.af.mil with interest. For more information about TEDxScottAFB and the speakers visit www.tedxscottafb.com, follow @TEDxScottAFB, and like TEDxScottAFB on Facebook.